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Trojans begin post-Mayo era against UC Irvine

Nov 15, 2008 - 11:20 AM UC Irvine at No. 21 Southern California 3:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Its most talented players may have departed for the NBA after only one season, but No. 21 Southern California is not lamenting the loss.

Freshman forward DeMar DeRozan looks to make an immediate impact when USC opens its season against the University of California at Irvine on Saturday.

O.J. Mayo led the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament last season, averaging a team-high 20.7 points. However, he decided to go pro after his freshman season and is playing for the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected third overall in June's NBA Draft.

DeRozan looks to fill the void left by Mayo and combine with Taj Gibson to form a lethal combination on the low blocks. The Compton, California native won the McDonald's All-American slam dunk contest and should be a tremendous finisher around the rim for the Trojans.

Guards Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis are dependable playmakers and should also help to replace Mayo's production.

UC Irvine returns three starters from last season's team that went 18-16 and advanced to the Big West Conference title game. The Anteaters are 1-4 all-time against USC and dropped a 90-70 decision during their most recent meeting on November 22, 2004 - the last time the Trojans won their season opener.